08.27.2008 Based on a true story

08.26.2008 Cue her

08.24.2008 It's now or never

The Yankees are 5 games behind Boston for the Wild Card and there's only 32 games left to play.  Sweep the Red Sox.

Tues:  Pettitte vs. Wakefield
Wed:  Ponson vs. Byrd
Thurs: Moose vs. Lester

08.23.2008 So far, no buttocks injury reported

Pavano on the mound Saturday night versus Baltimore
 

08.23.2008 What is going on?

Last two starts at AAA: 7 IP, 18 H, 13 ER
Glass half-full: 10 K vs 1 BB

But still...
 

08.21.2008 Will the Yankees even finish in 3rd place?

 

08.21.2008 The most complete Yankees draft review you'll find anywhere

We don't know whether Lane Meyer is just a hard worker or mentally insane, but with the signing period over, he just evaluated and graded every single Yankee draft pick from 2008.

Click here to get a glimpse into the mind of this minor league madman.
 

08.21.2008 Shut Joba down for the rest of the season

Continuing to return from right rotator cuff tendinitis, Chamberlain threw to a target for the first time since he left an Aug. 4 game at Arlington, tossing at 60 feet across the outfield before Thursday's game.

The next step for Chamberlain will be getting back on a mound, which he is expected to do on Saturday in Baltimore. Chamberlain said that he will throw only fastballs and changeups in that session, and is looking forward to the change.

Chamberlain has said that he expects to be pitching in Major League games by the first week of September, but the Yankees have been reluctant to issue a definitive time frame. (Source)

With the Yankees clearly not making the playoffs, it doesn't make any sense to push Joba any further in an effort for game action.  Let him work on the side in a controlled setting, let his arm rest, and let him be healthy for next season.  With the current state of the team, risk dramatically outweighs reward.
 

08.21.2008 L(emon)ink Party

There's some good stuff out there we wanted to highlight:

Alex Eisenberg of the Hardball Times has published an article on his own site (Baseball-Intellect) about the mechanics of Joba Chamberlain.  You can find it here.

The hardest working man in show business, Mike Silva of NY Baseball Digest, has conducted a bunch of interviews in the last couple days -- one of which was with Mark Melancon.  You can listen here.
 

08.19.2008 Rasner allows 1 run and the Yankees still lose

Stop watching.  Pursue other interests.  Like we said a week ago, this team is not making the playoffs.

Even Freddy Sez is having a hard time these days.
 

08.18.2008 The return (maybe) of Glass Carl

...Carl Pavano could return to the New York Yankees this weekend.

New York needs a fifth starter on Saturday at Baltimore, and with Joba Chamberlain and Dan Giese on the disabled list, the choice comes down to Pavano or Phil Hughes.

Since signing a $39.95 million, four-year contract with the Yankees before the 2005 season, Pavano has made just 19 appearances, going 5-6. He's been a premed's survey course of broken body parts, sidelined by injuries to his shoulder, back, buttocks, elbow and ribs. He became a pinata for the New York media.

He missed the second half of the 2005 season and all of 2006, then made just two starts in April 2007 before hurting his elbow, an injury that required ligament replacement surgery in June last year. He started a minor league rehab assignment less than a month ago, on July 29, and has gone 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in five starts with Class-A Charleston of the South Atlantic League and Double-A Trenton of the Eastern League. (Source)

Take a look back at Pavano's career with the Yankees.
 

08.17.2008 What to write about

Between us declaring that this team won't make the playoffs and the organization failing to sign their 1st-round draft pick, the Yankees aren't exactly holding our interest right now.

While we recharge our creative batteries, here's some links:

Melky walked 4 times in first game since being demoted to AAA.
Phil Hughes was not good in his Sunday start, citing a tired arm.
Carl Pavano made another start in Trenton.
With the signings complete, Lane Meyer initially grades the Yankees draft as a B-.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Our interview with PITCHf/x expert, Josh Kalk.
A picture of butternut squash.
 

08.15.2008 More on Gerritt Cole

As first reported last night by the NY Times' Tyler Kepner, Yankees 1st-round pick and high school fireballer, Gerritt Cole, is rejecting the dollars of the Yankees for UCLA.  This is a stunning development to say the least.  With so many questions from fans about this story, we decided to go straight to the source for further clarification.  Here is what Kepner told us about 10 minutes ago:

From what I understand, the Yankees drafted Cole believing he would sign with them and wanted to play pro ball.  Negotiations were not set to start until late, as usual with Scott Boras clients.  By the time they really started to talk, Cole and his father said Cole was committed to college and they did not even want to hear offers from the Yankees.  I am quite sure the Yanks would have paid over-slot for him, as is their custom, but in the end it made no difference because he didn't even want to hear an offer.  Now, there is still time before the deadline and Boras is known for (literally) last-minute deals.  But the impression I got late last night was that this thing was dead, no turning back, and the Yanks will take the pick next June.
 

08.13.2008 Pack it up, pack it in

As of this update, the Yankees sit 8.5 games behind Tampa and 6 games behind Boston.  Boston also has the best run differential in the AL East.  Although it pains us to say it, the party's over.  The Yankees will miss the playoffs for the first time since the strike-shortened season of 1994.  The most iconic stadium in American sports, home to so many championship moments, will shut its lights off for good in September.

We can point to several factors as to why this team so dramatically underperfomed expectations.  After all, most projection systems forecasted the Yankees to be the best team in the American League.  There has been a litany of devastating injuries which have reaked havoc on the offense and pitching staff.  Players like Derek Jeter and Robinson Cano have had terrible seasons.  We learned that good defense in CF doesn't mean much if the player cannot provide any offensive value.  Hughes and Kennedy have not only been hurt, but have greatly disappointed when they actually have pitched.

And perhaps the achilles heel of this team has been its inability to hit with RISP:

2008:  .259/.348/.382/.730
2007:  .293/.378/.451/.829
2006:  .286/.386/.479/.865

If this season's number resembled anything close to the previous two years, the situation could be very different. Here's the thing though.  Every mainstream writer and analyst will cite this statistic as they break down the Yankees season.  But what they won't say is how to correct that.  Why?  Because they can't.  How do you correct something which is so situational?  While the Yankees offense has been subpar this season, their OPS with RISP is 36 points less than their overall OPS.  How do you explain that?  Hitting with RISP is not some special skill which requires hitters to do something different in the batter's box.  At least in regards to RISP, we could be looking at a significant case of fluke circumstance.

Combine all of these factors together and we're looking ahead to 2009.  It's a very odd feeling.

Somebody had it in for the Yankees.
 

08.13.2008 D-Opp, Part II

With the signing deadline on Friday, Yankees VP of Amateur Scouting, Damon Oppenheimer, has returned with another update on the draft class of 2008.

NoMaas keeps bringin' it, son.
 

08.12.2008 Carl Pavano: Big fat phony

From our friend Mike Ashmore who interviewed Pavano after his Tuesday night Double-A rehab start:

“I’ve been through injuries since the beginning of my career.  I’ve been through adversity.  So I learned at a young age that you’ve just got to keep working.  I’ve never stopped working or pushing to be the best or striving to have success." (Source)

Carl Pavano: The epitome of hard work

08.11.2008 Girardi goes platoon crazy

We have been documenting for a while now about how Joe Girardi automatically sits Jason Giambi against lefties.  The level of pitcher quality is irrelevant. If the guy throws with his left hand, Giambi is hitting the pine.  (By the way, Giambi has a .919 OPS vs. LHP this season -- higher than his OPS vs. RHP).

Girardi took this platoon fetish to another level on Monday night, sitting Johnny Damon and replacing him with the right-handed and noodle-bat-wielding Justin Christian.  Incredibly, incredibly stupid.

"We've been kicking other people's as*es for so long, I figured it's time we got ours kicked."
 

08.10.2008 Eva Lee drops opening round match

NoMaas favorite Eva Lee lost to Canadian Anna Rice in the opening round of women's Olympic badminton.  While Rice was the favorite heading into the match, we didn't appreciate the arrogance she displayed after the victory:

"I was just trying to work the rally," said Rice. "I was making a lot of unforced errors so I decided I would try to let her make a few and she finally did at 19-all." (Source)

You'll get yours, Anna Rice.  You'll get yours.

Anna Rice pulling a Francisco Rodriguez with the inappropriate victory celebration.

Source: AP, Bullit Marquez
 

08.09.2008 Derek Jeter is so clutch...

...That he's saving all of his extra-base hits for if the Yankees make the postseason.

Derek is on track for career lows in SLG % and Line Drive %.  He has lost his pop.

In addition, we found out something else that is a little alarming.  Derek Jeter has put 377 balls in play this season (not including sac bunts) and 22.5% have been hit the other way.  That 5.5% increase from 2007 and a 2.9% increase from his career rate.

On the flipside, of those balls put into play, he's pulled 17.2%.  That's down 2.5% from 2007 and down 3.7% from his career rate.

So less power, and a slower bat.  Not good.
 

08.09.2008 Ian Kennedy's sense of entitlement

Let us recall what Ian Kennedy said back in May, after a start at AAA:

You’re giving them too much credit in the big leagues. These guys in Triple-A aren’t much different. They could be big leaguers tomorrow, and some of them have played in the big leagues. It’s not so much the hitters, it’s myself. (Source)

And on Friday night versus the Angels, he couldn't get out of the third inning.

But instead of admitting his struggles or expressing disappointment in a start which was critical to the Yankees playoff chances, Kennedy displayed what is becoming his trademark sense of entitlement and poor attitude.

From T-Kep:

The person who seemed to take the loss easiest was Kennedy...

“It’s the first bad outing I’ve had in a long time, since the All-Star break,” Kennedy said. “I’m not going to look much into it. I felt like I made some good pitches. I’m just not too upset about it.”

“What was it, a bunch of singles and three doubles or so?” Kennedy said. “I’m just not real upset about it. I’m going to move on. I already have done that.”

08.07.2008 Interview with Yankees' VP of Amateur Scouting, Damon Oppenheimer

Two worlds collide.  NoMaas and the New York Yankees finally decided to combine their powers for the greater good.

We sent our very own Lane Meyer to meet with the man who calls the shots in the Yankees draft and is largely responsible for putting the farm system back on the map.  We present our interview with VP of Amateur Scouting, Damon Oppenheimer.

This is information you will not find anywhere else.

08.06.2008 The real deal on Joba's injury

By NoMaas' Dr. Dale Beaverman:

Joba's official diagnosis is "rotator cuff tendinitis", which according to a certain Yankee beat writer is another way to say rotator cuff tear. Not exactly Pete.

First, a quick primer on the shoulder. The shoulder is comprised of three bones - the scapula (shoulder blade), the humerus (upper arm bone) and the clavicle (collarbone). The shoulder itself is a ball and socket joint similar to the hip but with a much more shallow socket. The rotator cuff is the name given to the group of muscles and tendons that hold it in place. The "cuff" part comes from the point where four tendons come together and form a hood over the head of the humerus.

Now, about tendinitis. By definition, tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Because a tendon is a fibrous structure, microscopic tears can occur. That is the extent of the tearing that would be involved with this injury. Referring to tendinitis as another name for a tear is a bit sensationalistic to say the least.

Rotator cuff tendinitis is a very common injury in baseball especially amongst pitchers. This is a such a common injury in baseball that it is nicknamed "pitcher's shoulder." Over the next few days, you're going to hear how that is the same diagnosis given to Jorge Posada when he was first injured. Rest assured, that does not mean that this injury will have the same surgical result. Posada's degree of injury was much more severe than Joba's, even initially, given what we know about his symptoms.

The Yankees have said that Joba will rest the shoulder for a week then begin a throwing program. Reports that he could be pitching again in as little as two weeks are probably premature. Expect them to be very cautious with their prized jewel, but at the same time, there is nothing to gain by resting him once the tendinitis is resolved. We won't know how quickly Joba's body will respond to the rest and treatment being prescribed for a few days but we're cautiously optimistic that he will return to the rotation this season.
 

08.05.2008 What a joke

Rangers starter Matt Harrison entered Tuesday night's game with a 7.40 ERA, a .959 OPS Against, and 4 Ks vs. 14 BB...and the Yankees were shut down by him.  Pathetic.

If your mom was left-handed and started against the Yankees, Joe Girardi would probably sit Jason Giambi.

Melky Cabrera is truly an awful hitter.

Since 2007, the only major league player who has grounded into more double plays than Derek Jeter is Vlad Guerrero.  Jeter has grounded into 39 double plays since the beginning of last season (he is currently tied with Arizona's Orlando Hudson as of this update).

08.05.2008 The Keymaster

Yankee fans anxiously await the prognosis of Joba Chamberlain.  His status is key to the team's playoff chances.

08.04.2008 Yankees to draft pick, Rob Scahill: "Go back to school, kid."

Lane Meyer has received direct confirmation that Yankee draft pick and RHP Rob Scahill has been told by the Yankees to return to Bradley -- and Lane is not happy.  Once describing Scahill as "one of the most talented Yankee draftees in this year’s class," Meyer believes the organization blew a tremendous opportunity to grab a high-quality pitcher at a vastly discounted price.

Click here to read Lane's thoughts.
 

08.04.2008 All-Time Yankees vs. All-Time Red Sox

If you took the best players in the histories of these two franchises, who would win in a head-to-head battle?  With the help of WhatIfSports, we found out.  WIS simulated a 162-game season between two customized teams and compiled the statistics for us.  Here are the rosters: (special thanks for the input from NoMaas message board users I Stalk Herman L, Bruce, StatMan79, Pride Power Pinstripes, Kyle, Salty Catfish, hardrain)

Yankees Batting Order:
3B Alex Rodriguez
CF Joe DiMaggio
1B Lou Gehrig
RF Babe Ruth
LF Mickey Mantle
DH Charlie Keller
SS Derek Jeter
2B Tony Lazzeri
C Yogi Berra

Yankees Bench:
C Bill Dickey
RF Reggie Jackson
1B Jason Giambi
2B Joe Gordon

Yankees Starting Rotation:
SP Whitey Ford
SP Lefty Gomez
SP Jack Chesbro
SP Red Ruffing
SP Ron Guidry

Yankees Bullpen:
LR Allie Reynolds
LR Andy Pettitte
SU Dave Righetti
SU Sparky Lyle
SU John Wetteland
SU Goose Gossage
CL Mariano Rivera

Red Sox Batting Order:
CF Tris Speaker
3B Wade Boggs
LF Ted Williams
1B Jimmie Foxx
DH Manny Ramirez
RF Dwight Evans
SS Nomar Garciaparra
C Carlton Fisk
2B Bobby Doerr

Red Sox Bench:
C Captain Intangibles
DH David Ortiz
LF Yastrzemski
SS Joe Cronin

Red Sox Starting Rotation:
SP Pedro Martinez
SP Roger Clemens
SP Smokey Joe Wood
SP Cy Young
SP Lefty Grove

Red Sox Bullpen
LR Babe Ruth
LR Louis Tiant
SU Derek Lowe
SU Ellis Kinder
SU Dick Radatz
CL Jonathan Papelbon

In the simulation, the Yankees went 86-76 (.531).  You will also notice that the pitching numbers are very inflated due to these incredible lineups.

Click here to see the compiled statistics.

And then learn more about WhatIfSports' SimLeague Baseball and Hardball Dynasty.

Lastly, if you need a refresher on what type of data goes into their simulations and how they adjust for different eras, you can read our initial interview with WIS here.
 

08.03.2008 Power of Christianity

Huge swipe of 3B in Sunday's game.

Justin Christian stole 193 bases in the minors with an 85% success rate
 

08.03.2008 XXX

Xavier Nady since joining the Yankees:
.385/.467/.846/1.313

Xavier with film star, Peter North
 

07.31.2008 Another superstar, another smear campaign

It seems that whenever a star player leaves Boston, the Red Sox front office does its best to demonize him .  And usually, one of the main mouthpieces is Peter Gammons.

From Gammons' latest blog post on ESPN.com:

He used sycophants to insult ownership and everyone in authority, and one player who really cares for Ramirez said that he knew Ramirez could sit the last two months, collect his final $7 million and ride off into the $100 million sunset. The Red Sox knew that, as well. They had already threatened him with an unpaid suspension, but in a world where the union fights for those who don't work, the last two months were going to be a living hell of sit-down strikes, followed by suspensions. It would have been a half-season of what the past two weeks have been, namely a chokehold on the team's baseball culture.

Ramirez tried to sit, citing his knee. Problem is, after skipping Felix Hernandez and Joba Chamberlain, the Red Sox ownership and medical staff ordered him to take an MRI. If Ramirez hadn't forgotten which knee was bothering him, he would have been more convincing, but he got mixed up. Massachusetts General Hospital performed MRIs on both knees, found nothing and the next day ownership served Ramirez with a written notice that if he did not play, he would be suspended without pay.

Someday, when we really understand the whole 1980-2005 Steroid Era of which one admitted user says "the only guys who didn't do them after 1994 were either stupid or scared," we may ask the question: Was it worse to take performance-enhancing drugs to perform better and win, or decline to play and steal money?

Anyone who was watching John Lackey's run at a no-hitter continue in the seventh inning on Wednesday when Ramirez jogged to first in 5.7 seconds, realizes that he is one of those rare, gifted athletes who cares nothing about winning, about the integrity of the game or his teammates. (Source)

This is one of the biggest hitjobs we've ever read.  Gammons actually poses the question as to whether Manny's behavior was worse than baseball players taking steroids.  Absolutely disgusting journalism.  Gammons should be ashamed of himself.

07.30.2008 Pure stealth

As you all know by now, the Yankees pulled off an excellent and totally unexpected trade for Pudge Rodriguez.  This move was masterful.  Lane Meyer took a break from his kiddie blog to break down this secret-ops deal.  Read what he has to say.

Knowing is half the battle, b*tch.

07.30.2008 Our letter to Theo Epstein

07.30.2008 Hawkins nets an actual living human being

The busy New York Yankees traded reliever LaTroy Hawkins to the Houston Astros on Wednesday for minor league infielder Matt Cusick. (Source)

Why Houston did this?  No idea.  But, Cusick is actually a decent prospect.  He's not a stud by any means, but he has a bit of promise to him.  He's a 22-year old 2B who's put up solid numbers in the Sally League (Low-A) this season, showing increased power and a 40-to-42 BB:K ratio.
 

07.30.2008 Looking back at Kyle Farnsworth

While his tenure with the Yankees was marred with inconsistency, he did give us this gem.
 

07.29.2008 Yankees attacked again

Wilson Betemit: Wasted Talent
 

07.29.2008 Melancon promoted

The next big thing, Mark Melancon, was promoted to AAA Scranton

His line at Trenton: 49 2/3 IP, .183 BA Against, 3.92 K/BB, 8.51 K/9, 5.79 H/9, 0.89 WHIP, 64.2% Groundball Percentage, 6.7% Line Drive Percentage

Sources: milb.com and minorleaguesplits.com
 

07.28.2008 Birds beat up on Yankees

The Yankees fall to 4-6 versus the dismal O's this season.
 

07.28.2008 Aging fast

.746 OPS
 

07.27.2008 Yanks take 2 out of 3 from Red Sox

A quick thought though...
- We don't understand why Giambi needs to automatically sit versus left-handed starters, especially when the other option is Richie Sexson.  Sexson is really horrible.
 

07.26.2008 Happy Birthday, Alex

Alex Rodriguez turns 33 on Sunday and you know he'll be celebrating in style.

07.25.2008 The night he became a man

Joba dominated the Red Sox striking out 9 in 7 innings, while only allowing 3 hits and 1 BB.

Is there a person alive who still thinks he should be in the bullpen?
 

07.25.2008 Yanks pull off solid trade

REVISED: Nady, Marte for Tabata, Ohlendorf, McCutchen, and Karstens

Our opinion? This is a nice trade.  It isn't a crazy, back cover of the paper type trade.  But, it's a nice trade nonetheless.

Xavier Nady is a career 107 OPS+ hitter who is somehow putting up a 142 OPS+ this season, with a monster line of .330/ 383/.535/.918.  Some may say he's breaking out, but we think it's more a fluke season.  The main reason for his unusual success is that he's been crushing right-handed pitching this season (.335/.368/.538/.906), which is not something he has been particularly skilled at:

Nady vs. RHP over the last 3 years: .258/.307/.446 /.753

He also has a whopping .363 BABIP this season, which can indicate a great deal of luck.  However, his line drive percentage is up a big 5.2% over 2007, which is likely contributing to his higher BABIP.

So basically, we'll chalk up these inflated numbers to being a tad flukey.

However, what is true about Nady and has remained consistent over the years is his ability to hit LHP.  He kills left-handers.  So far this year,  he has put up a .956 OPS against them, and most importantly, this success is not a one-season thing (like his performance vs. RHP).  Over the last 3 years, he has averaged .319/.393/.488/.881 against lefties.

So this is a nice bat to add to a lineup which ranks 7th in the AL in OPS vs. LHP (.744). Plus, it gets Brett Gardner out of the lineup.

Although it's questionable why the Yankees felt they needed to add a reliever to their already lethal bullpen, Damaso Marte is quite good.  He has brutalized left-handed batters over the past 3 years, holding them to a line of .206/.309/.288/.597.  Oddly, he's been even better against RHB this season limiting them to a .562 OPS (compared to .783 from 2005-2007), while LHB have a .669 OPS.  Marte has also been a pitcher who has rung up the strikeout over his career, with a 9.59 K/9.

In return for Marte and Nady, the Pirates didn't receive all that much.  Obviously, Jose Tabata is the headliner, but his stock has decreased dramatically this season.  One of the top-ranked prospects in the Yankees system and someone we were always excited about, the young outfielder has been dreadful at AA this season.  Dreadful probably isn't even the right word to describe his performance this year.  His .248/.320/.310/.630 line is absolutely attrocious and he's had some discplinaryproblems too.

Ohlendorf was going nowhere fast as the Yankees have a large stable of young relievers and Ross just doesn't make the cut.

The addition of McCutchen to the deal makes it better for the Pirates (and stings a little bit for us). The 25-year old SP does have legit value and is probably ready for a shot in the bigs.

Karsten stinks, so no loss there.

A good, solid trade.
 

07.25.2008 Even Mussina agrees, Girardi > Torre

"[Girardi] has done a great job of using a lot of people in a lot of situations," Mussina said. "He hasn't grabbed hold of one guy and ridden him until he couldn't do it any more. He hasn't used two guys in winning situations and two guys in losing situations. He's used everybody in every situation. So anybody out there thinks he can pitch the seventh inning, the eighth or close a game out. And when you have seven guys all feeling that way, it's pretty good. We have a team now that feels pretty good about itself, no matter who we're playing." (Source)

Meanwhile, Scott Proctor has not pitched in a month due to elbow problems.

Thank you, Baseball Gods.  Thank you.
 

07.24.2008 Interview with PITCHf/x guru, Josh Kalk

The PITCHf/x system is revolutionizing the way we examine pitching.  No one has studied this new technology more than Hardball Times author, Josh Kalk.  NoMaas' Dr. Dale Beaverman sat down with Josh to talk about what he's learned from applying Pitchf/x to his pitching research.  It's one of the most insightful interviews we've ever done.

Click here to read the interview.
 

07.24.2008 Quick info

As we wait for Friday's game versus the Boston Scrappy Underdogs, let's take look a the Yankees' Runs Scored versus Runs Allowed, which often provides a more accurate depiction of how a team is playing.  Also known as a team's Pythagorean record, actual wins and losses seem to gravitate towards this Runs Scored vs. Runs Allowed relationship.

According to the Yankees' Runs Scored vs. Runs Allowed, they're actually a tad better than Tampa at this point.  What does this mean?  The Yankees are back in business.
 

07.23.2008 Next stop: Fenway

07.23.2008 Interview with 32nd round pick, UC Davis' Andy Suiter

Seriously, are you not reading our draft blog yet?  If you're not, you better ask somebody!

Click here to read this excellent interview.
 

07.22.2008 We would not trade the Utz potato chip sign for...

The Yankees noticed Monday when the Mariners left-hander Jarrod Washburn held the Red Sox to two runs over five and two-thirds innings in a 4-0 loss in Seattle. Washburn is one of the pitchers the Yankees are evaluating as they approach the July 31 nonwaiver trading deadline. (Source)

Washburn has an ERA+ of 84, an OPS against of .815, a WHIP of 1.48, a K/9 of 5.32, and a FIP of 4.45.  He's also due to make $10.35 million in 2009.

We would vomit if a trade was made for him.

Isn't she so cute?
 

07.21.2008 The difference between Girardi and Torre

Entering Monday's game: 10.50 K/9, 3.00 K/BB, 5.25 H/9, 0.97 WHIP, .559 OPS Against

Of American League relievers who have thrown at least 20 innings this season, Edwar ranks 11th in K/9, 15th in WHIP, 16th in K/BB, and 15th in OPS Against.

It's nice to have a manager who gives young players the chance to succeed.

Unrelated note: Great move by Girardi in Monday's game, bringing Edwar in during the bottom of the 6th with runners on first and third.  That basically shut the door on the Twins.  His bullpen management this season has been exceptional.

Girardi signals to the bullpen as he makes a pitching change.
 

07.21.2008 Posada to the DL, the Yankees should target...

In a big blow to the Yankees offense, we learned that Jorge Posada will be sent to the DL for the second time this season, again with shoulder problems.  He could be lost for the season.

While the return of Johnny Damon will help alleviate the loss, the Yankees will still have a large hole in their lineup due to Posada's injury.  You figure that Damon will now DH in the near-term because of his gimpy shoulder, which means more Brett Gardner in LF (not good).  And when Damon is healthy enough to play LF, there will then be an open DH slot (also not good).  We'd rather not see Richie Sexson in that role.

So how do the Yankees fill either that LF or DH spot?

Our target: Pittsburgh OF Jason Bay (who has been rumored to be on the move)

Here's why we like him.

He can flat-out rake.  He's a 130 OPS+ hitter for his career, posting a line of .281 / .376 / .515 / .891.  His career home/away splits are nearly identical, meaning he hits in all ballparks.  And he's in the midst of another great season at the prime age of 29.

He also has a financially-friendly contract situation.  He's only the books through 2009 and is scheduled to make a moderate $7.5 million next season.  With the amount of money the Yankees will spend (we hope they spend) in free-agency and with the roster in a likely state of flux, it would be advantageous to have a reasonable-salaried, high-quality player like Bay.

The downside to Bay is that he lacks range in LF.  He has consistently ranked near the bottom of the barrel in Zone Rating among NL left fielders over the last few years.

We absolutely love his bat though, and when Damon can actually play LF, Bay can then DH and all those with a defense-fetish can be happy.

In regards to who we'd be willing to trade for Bay...probably anyone but Austin Jackson and Phil Hughes (yes, we still believe).  If Pittsburgh insisted on one of those two, we would walk away.
 

07.21.2008 Lane Meyer = internet celebrity

Lane Meyer's draft blog continues to spread like salmonella.  Phil Allard of WCBS 880 interviewed Lane about the Yankees' 2008 amateur selections.

It's a great conversation between two people who have "no credentials."
 

07.20.2008 Yanks kick off 2nd half with sweep of Oakland

Yanks only 3 games behind Boston and 4.5 behind Tampa.
 

07.20.2008 Let's be real, son

With all the griping from us and other fans about what the Yankees should do at the trading deadline, we sometimes overlook what really needs to happen to propel this team into the playoffs.  We need to see some of the existing Yankees perform near their means.  We can point the finger at the front office all we want, but if players like Jeter, Cano, and Abreu continue to underperform, there are only so many things Cashman & Co. can do.  You can't trade for a whole new lineup.

OPS+ 2008 vs. 2007

Derek Jeter: 99 vs. 121 (currently having the worst year of his career)
Robinson Cano: 75 vs. 120
Bobby Abreu: 110 vs. 114 (.23 point higher OBP in 2007)
Melky Cabrera: 76 vs. 89 (it's gotten worse every year since 2006)
Jorge Posada: 112 vs. 154
 

07.19.2008 **NoMaas exclusive** Interview with Yankee draft signability case, Blake Monar

Proving once again that NoMaas is your best resource for Yankee draft coverage, the tireless Lane Meyer had a one-on-one conversation with 2008 26th-round pick and major signability case, LHP Blake Monar.

Check out our Yankees draft blog to read this great interview.
 

07.19.2008 Signing Sexson does not address the Yankees problems

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman had admitted the club's interest in Sexson recently, with the franchise in need of an additional power bat due to Hideki Matsui's lingering injury troubles. (Source)

Let's assume that Richie Sexson is not a corpse of a baseball player.  Let's also assume that he doesn't have a .370 BABIP against left handed pitching and that he hasn't been extremely lucky this season.  Lastly, let's assume that he didn't have a .238/.333/.419/.752 against LHP in 2007.

The main point here is that acquiring Richie Sexson does not address the Yankees biggest offensive problem, which is having Brett Gardner and Melky Cabrera in the same outfield (unless you like seeing a corner OF bunt his way on to first base).

As you saw in Friday's game, Sexson played first base (not a replacement for Matsui) and as a result, makes the lineup actually worse because you're sitting Jason Giambi to get Sexson in there.

A lineup with Gardner-Melky-Sexson-and-most-of-the time-Molina is rather putrid.  Giambi has a .903 OPS versus LHP this season.  He does not need to be platooned for.

If Sexson continues to play at Giambi's expense, then this isn't the "no-risk" move that some are describing it as.  If you take Giambi out of the lineup for Richie Sexson, then this is an acquisition which could hurt the Yankees.

This team needs someone to actually replace Matsui and the banged-up Johnny Damon.  They don't need a platoon partner for Jason Giambi.
 

07.17.2008 Would you rather?

Have this happen to you:

or have this be their attempt to solve the Yankees problems:

Serious question.
 

07.16.2008 Report card time

NoMaas' Gilbert Lowell provides his mid-season grades for all the position players and our protein-supplemented manager.

07.15.2008 Interview with the NY Sun's Tim Marchman

Tim Marchman covers the Yankees for the New York Sun and he's one of the best at what he does.  In his first interview with your beloved NoMaas, we hit on several topics including Robinson Cano, Derek Jeter, and the Yankees future in the AL East.

Click here to read.
 

07.15.2008 Papelbon: "I can't believe I wasn't well-received by Yankee fans."

After declaring that he, not Mariano Rivera, should be the closer for the AL All-Star team, baseball's biggest imbecile, Jonathan Papelbon, was shocked that he wasn't welcomed kindly by Yankee fans:

MLB.com reported that during a red carpet parade for the All-Star Game that went down Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, Papelbon and his wife Ashley were bombarded by insults from fans.

"I feel like I needed to be in a bullet-proof car," Papelbon said, according to the Web site. "My wife is pregnant and she's getting her life threatened. It's stupid."

Papelbon told MLB.com that he was so disturbed by the parade incident that he didn't even care if he pitched on Tuesday.

"Your family gets involved like that and you're trying to enjoy an experience with your family, and you have a wife who's pregnant who doesn't feel safe riding in a red-carpet event, you know what I mean? How would you feel?" Papelbon said, according to MLB.com. (Source)

07.15.2008 Brett Gardner is not the answer

With the news that Matsui may be gone for the season and Damon will be out longer than expected, the Yankees are left with an outfield which contains two poor hitters in Melky Cabrera and Brett Gardner.  Let's take yet another look at the player which many believed to be The Great White Hope.

At NoMaas, we never clamored for Brett Gardner nor did we believe he was some
great prospect.  In fact, we suggested that it would be wise to trade him while his hype value was at its highest in AAA.  When you strike out at a high rate in the minors and you have zero power to make up for those strikeouts, then your potential as a major leaguer is significantly limited.  It doesn't matter how fast you are if pitchers can challenge you without fear of consequence.

The sample size police may caution us that he's only had 44 plate appearances, but his lack of production is just so logical to us.  In his 44 PAs, he's either struck out or hit the ball to the infield 28 times (not including 2 sac bunts).  His ground ball rate of 54.2% is very, very poor for a corner OF.  He's doing exactly what we thought he would.

The point of this isn't to rip on Gardner.  He's just a kid and as fans, we'd love to see him improve.  However, what we are saying is that this team is not making the playoffs with a Brett Gardner/Melky Cabrera combination in the OF.  The offense just can't afford that.  An acquisition needs to be made.
 

07.14.2008 Clash of the Titans: 1927 Yankees vs. 1998 Yankees

With All-Star festivities in full effect, we decided to have some fun of our own and have WhatIfSports run a custom simulaton for us.  We thought it would be very cool to see how the vaunted 1927 Murderer's Row Yankees would play versus the 1998 team that steamrolled its way to 114 regular season wins.

So, we had WIS simulate a best-of-seven series 1,000 times.  The rotation for the '27 Yankees was Waite Hoyt, Herb Pennock, and Urban Shocker.  Taking the mound for the '98 Yankees was David Wells, Orlando Hernandez, David Cone, and Andy Pettitte.

Without further adieu, here are the results:
Game 1: 1927 Yankees win 8-5 (Box Score)
Game 2: 1998 Yankees win 7-6 (Box Score)
Game 3: 1998 Yankees win 7-4 (Box Score)
Game 4: 1927 Yankees win 8-7 (Box Score)
Game 5: 1927 Yankees win 4-2 (Box Score)
Game 6: 1998 Yankees win 5-2 (Box Score)
Game 7: 1927 Yankees win 6-2 (Box Score)
 

07.13.2008 Interview with Rob Neyer

It may be a break for baseball, but we're not breaking at NoMaas.  In our first of two great interviews this week, we kick things off with a return from baseball historian, author, and ESPN columnist...the world famous Rob Neyer.

In this latest exchange, Rob offers his opinions to Sensei John Kreese on the Yankees' first half.

Click here to read.

P.S. Rob Neyer now ties Tyler Kepner for most interviews with NoMaas.Your move, T-Kep.

Rob Neyer and Sensei John Kreese go back a long way.
 

07.13.2008 At the break: Comparing NYY, Tampa, and Boston

The following data was obtained from Hardball Times and Baseball-Reference.

Offensive categories:
 

Team	Runs/G	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS+	Pitches/PA	BA/RISP	OPS+
NYY	4.63	.267	.339	.414	.752	3.85	.256	103
TB	4.63	.262	.337	.412	.749	3.84	.253	103
BOS	5.14	.282	.355	.452	.802	3.86	.272	113

Observations: Tampa and the Yankees have nearly identical performing offenses.  Boston is in a league of their own.

Not included in the chart:  Tampa has stolen 100 bases in 133 attempts -- The Yankees have stolen 60 in 82 attempts -- Boston has stolen 78 in 100 attempts.

Also not included:  Talk about home field advantage, Boston is averaging 5.91 runs per game at home and 4.42 runs per game on the road.  It must be nice to play in a little league field.

Pitching categories:
 

Team	Runs/G	ERA	FIP	K/G	BB/G	ERA+
NYY	4.34	4.12	3.91	6.90	3.10	99
TB	4.11	3.77	3.87	7.00	3.2	109
BOS	4.11	3.83	4.04	7.30	3.70	113

Observations:  With the pitchers that Tampa still has on the farm, their staff is going to be crazy good for years.

Not included in the chart: Not only does Boston light up the scoreboard at home, but they also allow less runs at home than they do on the road (3.78 vs. 4.42).

Defensive categories:
 

Team	Def Efficiency	RZR
NYY	.690	.832
TB	.710	.836
BOS	.706	.833

Observations: Defensive metrics are much more difficult to obtain and evaluate, but on the surface, the Yankees convert less batted balls into outs than both Boston and Tampa.  Also, if you look at the team ERAs and FIPs of both Boston and Tampa, it looks like their pitching may have benefited from some solid defense.  The reverse seems true of the Yankees.
 

07.11.2008 If not scoring runs is cool, consider the Yanks Miles Davis

As the offense continues to defecate the bed, the Yanks say they're not interested in Bonds.

Barry Bonds is not considered an option. Cashman said: "I guess I can say that they have engaged us in the past and I've told them that I have too many people, maybe not too many people with the same ability, but too many people at the same spot that you have a lot of dollars committed to." (Source)

We're aware of the "Yankees have too many DHs!1!!" argument that many fans have.  However, the longer Damon and Matsui remained sidelined, the less it makes any sense and the less runs the Yankees score.

Plus, we find it unsual that the Yankees can pick up everyone's "tired, hungry, and poor", but yet can't take a chance on one of the greatest hitters* ever.
 

07.11.2008 Yankees aim to lead the league in HRs allowed next season

The Yankees signed left-handed starter Eric Milton to a Minor League contract on Friday. The 32-year-old, who is recovering from surgery on his left elbow, has been assigned to Triple-A Scranton and will be placed on the disabled list. This will allow him to continue his rehab at the Yankees Minor League complex in Tampa, Fla. (Source)

Year -- Home Runs Allowed by Milton -- Rank
2000 -- 35 -- 2
2001 -- 35 -- 2
2004 -- 43 -- 1
2005 -- 40 -- 1
2006 -- 29 -- 5
(Source)

07.10.2008 NoMaas partners with WhatIfSports

You may have noticed that we've started to accept some advertising.  We were always somewhat hesistant to do so, as our main goal was always to keep the site clean, quick, and friendly on the eyes.  However, as the site has expanded and our visitor base has increased, we need to generate some revenue to cover our costs and introduce new features that require some benjamins.  With that being said, we believe that we can accomplish this objective and still keep the same navigation experience for all of our interested readers.  In fact, we thought it would be really something if we can pick an advertiser who could actually add value to the NoMaas experience.

This is why we're very excited about our partnership with WhatIfSports (WIS).  For those not familar with WIS, the company is the internet's foremost sports simulation provider.  What does this mean?  We'll be able to do things like put Yankee teams of the past versus Yankee teams of the present -- complete with box score.  We can accept bets on how many home runs Babe Ruth would hit off Kyle Farnsworth.  We can create an all-time Yankee team (SCoTT BRoSIUS AT 3B!!11!!) and see how they match up against other franchises.  We'll be able to perform season forecasts using sabermetric calculations and fancy algorithms. Basically, we're adding a new dimension to our analysis and will be able provide some very entertaining features.

WhatIfSports has also taken their simulation technology and created the most intense online baseball games you've ever seen.  A few NoMaas staffers have been playing them for a while.  They're quite nuts.  If you're looking to further decrease your productivity at work, check them out.

To introduce the capabilities of WhatIfSports, Sensei John Kreese sat down with WIS Quantitative Analyst Paul Bessire and talked about a wide range of topics including their sabermetric approach to simulation, how they rank against other sim technologies,  their successful forecasts and of course, their amazingly detailed games.

Click here to read the interview.
 

07.09.2009 You know your website has hit it big when...

...You get emails from strip clubs.  We got this today:

The sexy ladies at Rick's Cabaret Gentlemen's Club on West 33rd Street in
Manhattan are raring to go if Madonna and A- Rod stop into Rick's anytime soon.
A-Rod has been widely reported as a Rick's customer, and his penchant for
strippers is undeniable.  Stories of Madonna's bisexual attraction to women have been circulating for years, most recently in reports of her brother's upcoming tell-all book. "There is no better place than Rick's for these two to enjoy a titillating night on the town and fuel the fire of their new relationship," says Violet, a 23 year-old (36-24-36) dancer at Rick's, who admits she has a huge crush on the couple. Although another dancer, 21 year-old Lindsay (brunette all-natural 34-24-33), is not impressed by the new hot couple. "A-Rod and Madonna? Madonna? She's so old. Like, my mother likes her."

Dear Violet and Lindsay,

Please email us...with video.

Thank you.
 

07.09.2008 You think this season is frustrating?

Through 91 games in 2007, the Yankees were 47-44 and 8 1/2 games out of first.

Through 91 games this season, the Yanks sit 49-42 and 6 1/2 games out of first.

Cheer up, sugarplums.
 

07.08.2008 Harden traded to the Cubs for...basically nothing

The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Rich Harden yesterday in a six-player trade with Oakland, a deal that came a day after division rival Milwaukee added Cy Young Award-winner C.C. Sabathia.

Chicago also received pitcher Chad Gaudin and sent pitcher Sean Gallagher, catcher Josh Donaldson, infielder Eric Patterson and outfielder Matt Murton to Oakland, the teams said. (Source)
 

Gigantic injury risk?  Yes.  But Harden is in the last year of his deal and has a very affordable $7 mil team option for 2009.  He's also been phenomenal this season with a 162 ERA+ and a K/9 of 10.75.

The Cubs acquired him without surrendering any player or prospect of great importance -- basically a bunch of stuff.

It makes you wonder...

Sidney Ponson will be starting on Wednesday.
 

07.08.2008 Andy tosses a gem against Rays

8 IP, 4 H, 5 K, 0 BB, 0 ER

Andy Pettitte's infamous schnoz
 

07.07.2008 Interview with the NY Times' Tyler Kepner

With this being Tyler's third interview with our site, he is now the all-time NoMaas leader.  Congratulations, friend.  Feel free to use us as a reference if you decide to ever leave the Times.  Employers love us.

As always, we appreciate Tyler's insight and in our latest sit-down, we talked about trade deadline deals, the status of injured players, and other Yankee happenings.

Please click here to read.
 

07.06.2008 Gardner slays Papelbon

A victory for little people everywhere, as Brett won the battle versus AnusMouth.
 

07.06.2008 Another bat bites the dust

The Yankees placed Johnny Damon on the disabled list on Sunday for the first time in his 13-year career because the outfielder's strained and bruised left shoulder hadn't improved much since he injured it against the Red Sox on Friday.

Damon bruised the shoulder and strained his left AC joint during a violent collision with the left-field fence. General Manager Brian Cashman said it's "50-50" that Damon will return to the active roster when he is eligible to.

"It could be longer," Cashman said. "I certainly don't want to represent that he'd be ready in 15 days. It's probably a push." (Source)

Seriously, what is it going to take for this team to look at Bonds?
 

07.06.2008 This has to be a mistake

American League All-Star selections:

Somewhat surprising was the selection of Varitek, if only because the team's captain is mired in what he recently referred to as "the worst rut of my career." He is hitting .219 with seven homers and 27 RBIs.

However, Francona and other players on the team always refer to how much Varitek contributes to wins even when he's not hitting. And the fact that his peers voted in him despite his offensive numbers probably demonstrates that better than anything.

"I'm honored," Varitek said. "You've got to appreciate it while you can. Cut out the last three weeks, and I'd be OK. It's flattering either way. It's an honor that your peers feel that way." (Source)

We would have to assume that this is one of the worst All-Star selections in baseball history.  Captain Intangibles is hitting .218 with a .300 OBP and .358 SLG....and he makes the All-Star team?  Insane.  Even a Red Sox fan must believe this selection is pure madness, right?

Here's Keith Law's take:

Varitek has been so bad at the plate this season that he's below replacement level for catchers -- that theoretical player who any team could grab from Triple-A to fill that roster spot. (Source)
 

07.05.2008 Mussina throws a masterpiece

Mussina had 5 happy little strikeouts through 6 innings.
 

07.05.2008 Dear Interested Reader, we get it

You don't like Girardi.

UPDATE, 5:55 p.m.: Veras for Moose. No idea whether Moose wanted to continue, but he was only at 89 pitches. The next three Boston hitters are 0 for 6 against him today.

How do you take a guy out who has a four-hit shutout going in a game you really need to win? Joe Torre does that and people would be marching on the Stadium with torches and pitchforks. (Source)

Oops:

* Mike Mussina felt light-headed in the sixth inning, which is why he didn’t come out for the seventh. (Source)
 

07.05.2008 Food for thought

Through 87 games, the Yankees have scored 410 runs and allowed 389.
(+21 run differential).

Through 87 games in 2007, the Yankees had scored 489 runs and allowed 396.
(+75 run differential).

Based on this simple comparison, one could make an argument that the 2007 team was in better shape than the 2008 version.  However, as NoMaas' Prince Akeem pointed out a couple weeks ago, both A-Rod and Posada missed significant chunks of this season and thus the 2008 Pythag may be a little misleading.  It makes for an interesting debate.
 

07.04.2008 It's tough to win games when your team is full of this

07.04.2008 A rotation anchored by Mike Mussina?

Who would have ever thought that?  But, according to ERA+, it's true.

Mike Mussina's ERA+: 104
Andy Pettitte: 96
Darrell Rasner: 91 (before Friday's poor start)
Sidney Ponson: 70 (in his 2 NYY starts)

And then the injured guys:
Chien Ming Wang: 99
Ian Kennedy: 54
Phil Hughes: 45

We obviously left Joba out of this analysis, but it's clear that this rotation is in a sad state of affairs.  When Mike Mussina is your best non-Joba starter, then you're in some serious trouble.
 

07.04.2008 Now on sale

07.02.2008 Finally

Yankees offense explodes for 18 runs, actually get hits with RISP
Giambi continues his monster season: Grand slam, 2B, 6 RBI - OPS at .964
Arod is good: 2-3, HR, 2 BB, 4 R, 3 RBI - OPS at 1.011
 

07.02.2008 Red Sox limp into the Bronx

Looking at movies from a male point of view
 

07.02.2008 International free agents

In 2006, the Yankees signed then-16 year old catcher Jesus Montero for $1.6 million.  Montero was regarded by many as the best international free agent that year.  Would the Yankees make another big splash in 2008?  At first glance, it looks like they didn't.  With this season's biggest prize going to the A's and the Padres dropping some serious chedda, the Yankees seemed to be a tad cost-controlled in their acquisitions.  From SaberScouting.com:

The Yankees have also made their signees official:

- INF Giancarlo Arias
- C/3B Jackson Valera
- OF Ramon Flores
- SS Anderson Felix
- RF Yeico Calderon

As mentioned above, Felix was for $500,000, and all of these players were fringe seven figure talents that the Yankees locked up early in the process. While the bonuses aren’t clear yet for all of these players, it appears all five were for below-market, value-type deals between $500,000 and $900,000.

Calderon, Flores, and Arias...all are excellent hitters with corner player type skills, though Arias may stick at second base. Felix is a hitability shortstop with gap-to-gap power likely moving to second base, and Valera keeps with the theme as a very good bat with plus power but no clear position.

The Yankees focused on guys with high-probability bats that they were able to get at below-market prices, all in an exploding market. (Source)
 

07.01.2008 You would think someone who makes $30 mil a year could get better-looking girls

Us Weekly reports in its new issue, on newsstands tomorrow, that Madonna's seven-year marriage to Guy Ritchie has stalled out – and the singer has been hosting late-night visits from New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez at her Central Park West apartment in New York City.

A source tells Us that the $28-million-a-year Rodriguez, 32, has made numerous solo nighttime visits to Madonna, 49, at her spacious home and would sneak out "as late as midnight." Says the source, "All the doormen are talking."

Rodriguez attended Madonna's April 30 NYC concert; the singer sat in his seats at a Yankees game on June 22 (it was the first time she ever was photographed at a Yankees game).(Source)

Rodriguez, 32, and Madonna, 78, photographed in NYC.
 

06.30.2008 Leave it to the Yankees to make Rangers' pitching look good

The Texas Rangers entered Monday's game with a staff ERA+ of 83.  For those not familiar with ERA+, we'll put that number into words the common people can understand:  God Awful.

Wasting an 8 strikeout performance from the reborn Mike Mussina, the "Bombers" continued to showcase their ineptitude with runners in scoring position, going 0-for-6 on the night.

The Yankees season line with RISP:
.253 BA / .336 OBP / .374 SLG / .710 OPS

How absolutely terrible is that?  It's shockingly bad.  Only two teams in the AL have been worse, and the next team above the Yanks is Kansas City, who have a .751 OPS with RISP.

06.28.2008 Ca$hMoney: A little too overboard with the kids?

Here at NoMaas, our love of all things Ca$hmoney is legendary. We take a backseat to no one in our adulation of the man who brought stability and growth to our farm system -- a farm system that was at one time the biggest joke in the majors and now makes us one of the biggest players in both producing talent for our own team and making deals.

However, an interview with Cashman in yesterday's Newsday does give us pause. The following quotes especially leave us a little confused, and we're hoping that's the intended effect.

Some highlights:

People are clamoring for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to stop sitting there and do something already -- something big -- to improve the Yankees' tattered pitching staff.

Go get C.C. Sabathia, they scream. Pry Erik Bedard out of Seattle. Enough with these journeymen and castoffs and overmatched kids that the Yankees keep trotting out, even on occasions like the Subway Series.

Cashman hears you, all right. And he disagrees.

"It's almost like doing what we used to do has become people's binky, their pacifier, their security blanket," Cashman said with a mix of derision and weariness Saturday.

Let's be clear about something. We were hugely successful in the past in large part due to the trades for, and acquisition of, premier starting pitchers. In fact, this style of rotation building was far more responsible for our success than building from within, considering that Andy Pettitte was the only homegrown starter during what we'll refer to as "The Security Blanket Period."

Recently, the premier starting pitching that's been available was actually quite young relative to the Clemens and Cones of yesteryear. The Santana ship has sailed, but it just so happens a guy like Sabathia may be available soon. Isn't he precisely the kind of player Cashman has said you build up your system in part to acquire should he hit the market?

"Hopefully, we'll give people the opportunity to see that they don't have to buy into that old thinking here that we need to go out and bring some old, aging, overpriced veteran in here, like we used to," he said.

This comment, if made by someone who didn't bring in people like Andy Pettitte, Roger Clemens, and LaTroy Hawkins would sound great -- not to mention handing out gigantic contracts to our "old, aging" catcher and closer. **(We're not necessary arguing against those deals.  We were firmly behind Po's signing, but we did think the Mariano deal was ridiculous.  But, what we are saying is that they wouldn't seem to fit into Ca$hmoney's stated philosophy here.)

Finally, there was this:

The Yankees' revolving door of pitchers has resembled a cattle call at times this year. But Cashman, smiling now, preferred Saturday to call it his "Statue of Liberty" play.

"Give me your tired, your hungry, your poor," he joked. "We're into giving opportunities here now, seeing who lasts and who doesn't."

This is what's referred to as "Throwing sh*t at a wall." It's not so much a strategy as it points to a lack of one. And yes, for $200 million, you'd think we could get a little bit better grade of crap than Sidney Ponson.

It is our profound hope that as we head into the heat of the trade deadline, this article is simply serving as a means for Cashman to let other GMs know that the house may be crumbling, but the air conditioning is working just fine. Everything's still cool. If we had to place a bet, it would be with Cashman.

However recent months, and one very public non-move (the Santana deal that never was), do give us some cause for concern that perhaps Cash is a little too enamored with his farm system. Perhaps he's also a little too enamored with trying to prove he doesn't need $200 million dollars to build a baseball team. All commendable, but to a point. There is middle ground between Sidney Ponson and CC Sabathia (not much, obviously, because they're both really fat). At the end of the day, we sincerely hope Cashman does understand the difference between value and cheap.
 

06.29.2008 This is what happens when you act like you're entitled to pitch

From friend of NoMaas, Tyler Kepner of the NY Times:

Ian Kennedy threw five shutout innings for Class A Tampa on Saturday, but Joe Girardi is not closely tracking his progress. Kennedy is no longer rehabilitating his strained lat muscle, Girardi stressed Sunday morning.

“This is him getting right,” Girardi said. “He’s not on the D.L. now. This is earning his way back, just like the other 175 players or so in the minors.”

The Yankees have two fill-in starters now (Darrell Rasner and Sidney Ponson), but Girardi said Kennedy needs to prove that he deserves to be here.

“That’s the thing,” Girardi said. “You have to pitch well to earn your spot back.” (Source)
 

06.28.2008 It makes too much sense now

The Yankees acknowledged that Hideki Matsui could need surgery on his ailing left knee if it doesn't start feeling better. The slugger was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday.

"Hopefully, this is a 15-day thing and we get him healthy and get him better," manager Joe Girardi said. "Could it be more? Yes." (Source)
 

06.28.2008 Congrats to David Robertson

Meanwhile, the Yankees added a fresh arm to their bullpen Saturday, purchasing right-hander Dave Robertson's contract from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. New York also optioned lefty Kei Igawa back to Triple-A, one day after he was called up.

The 23-year-old Robertson was 3-0 with a 1.64 ERA and one save in 20 relief appearances for Scranton. He had 48 strikeouts and 16 walks in 33 innings. (Source)

We've been writing about David Robertson for a while now, and we even included him in our 2008 Top Prospects report.  He has been nothing short of amazing in his blaze through the Yankee farm system.  Having rung up 187 Ks in 136 innings (12.375 K/9) and having NEVER ALLOWED A HR, this is well-deserved promotion for the young reliever.
 

06.26.2008 Uh oh, what are we saying now?

Teams have shied away, not wanting to deal with the glare of attention Bonds would bring. The outfielder, who turns 44 on July 24, has been offered by Borris to all 30 teams for a prorated share of the $390,000 minimum.

Borris said Bonds even would play for free — offering to donate whatever salary he receives to purchase tickets for children. (Source)

You have to wonder why nobody has picked up Bonds, especially when he would only seek the minimum.  Something is definitely up.  We know he would bring a media circus to whoever signed him, but the guy had a 170 OPS+ last year with a .480 OBP!!  Do you realize how insane a .480 OBP is?  Do you?

So, we're sitting here looking at this.  Barry Bonds is available, and he could be had for what MLB teams consider pocket change.

Not a person on earth could make the argument that Bonds wouldn't instantly and significantly improve a team -- including the Yankees.

Yet, can you imagine bringing Barry Bonds to the capital of the world?  It would be a media spectacle beyond belief.  Pure craziness.  A possible PR nightmare.

You know what though, we would do it.  Everybody hates the Yankees anyway.  Can you even comprehend putting Bonds in a lineup which also features Alex Rodriguez and a slugging Jason Giambi?  Dear God.

Plus, with Hideki Matsui having the knees of a 75-year old man, Damon getting older and more banged up, and Giambi an at-bat away from tearing some part of his damaged body, it may make sense just to have another elite (super-elite) bat on the roster (then again, we have BRETT GARDNER!!1111!).

But seriously, throw roster depth and injury replacement theories out the window.  We're looking at this in a very simple way.  Pitchers are petrified of Barry Bonds.  He can be signed for virtually nothing.

Isn't the goal to win games?
 

06.25.2008 Joba to critics: "Tell me how my a** tastes."

Where are the people who criticized Joba's move to the rotation?

Joba's last three starts:
18 1/3 IP, 2 ER, 18 K, 16 H, 1.56 G/F

06.25.2008 Raising money for a great cause

It's not often a columnist from the Journal News contacts us without using an alias, but Sam Borden did just that today.  It turns out that on Friday, Sam is walking the 10 miles between Shea and Yankee Stadium to raise money for the American Cancer Society.  His goal is to raise $5,000 and he's very close to that number.

For more information about volunteering and/or donating to this great cause, please visit Sam's site here.  No word yet on whether Sam will be packing heat.
 

06.24.2008 Quite possibly the worst game of the season

For a few different r